Iraq to U.S.: Send in the drones, Hellfire missiles to destroy al Qaeda

Iraq has requested 10 reconnaissance drones and Hellfire missiles from the U.S. to help with waves of attacks perpetrated by al Qaeda and its affiliates. There is also debate within the Iraqi government about having American-operated and armed Predator or Reaper drones, the New York Timesreported.

In 2011, American officials failed to secure a Status of Forces Agreement with Iraq, which now complicates matters as the nation’s officials request U.S. assistance. The Baghdad government of Nouri al-Malaki is struggling to control an influx of Islamic fighters from Syria, many of whom have contributed to the death of 8,000 civilians in 2013, according to the United Nations.